Black Friday and Cyber Monday both bring opportunities for great deals—and the potential for theft. As more shoppers switch from in-person to online shopping, the opportunities for package theft and fraud increase. In addition, more shopping activity means more possibility of credit card fraud or identity theft. To stay protected from theft of all kinds, follow these tips for holiday shopping security.

Monitor credit card activity

Data breaches are increasing in frequency. Consumers have less certainty about the safety of their identity and important financial information. It is important to regularly monitor all credit card statements and set up alerts for suspicious transactions in order to avoid credit card fraud or identity theft this holiday season. If you notice suspicious activity, contact your bank immediately.

Keep vehicles free of merchandise

Whether shopping in-person or picking up online purchases from a trusted source such as an Amazon locker, the merchandise has to get home. Place items in the trunk, not the front or back seats. Do not leave merchandise unattended if possible. If more stops are necessary between picking up the items and home, ensure that they are well-covered and that the car is kept in a well-lit, preferably monitored location.

Prepare for porch pirates

Nearly 25% of Americans claim they’ve had a package stolen from their front porch. These thieves are called “porch pirates” and they prey on vulnerable packages left alone outside of homes. In response to the threat of theft, residents often turn to security systems including video surveillance to deter or catch porch pirates. Other options to prevent package theft include timing your deliveries to arrive when you know you’ll be home, investing in a lockbox for packages, and reducing the number of items you purchase online versus in-store.

These holiday shopping security tips can reduce the potential of disruptive theft or fraud this holiday season. With some caution and protection, holiday shopping online or in-person can be a safe, fun, and secure experience.

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